Photo Credit: Rob Laughter
Jack Black has canceled the remaining Tenacious D tour dates following comments made by his band partner Kyle Gass. Here’s the latest.
During a concert in Australia at the ICC Sydney Theatre, Jack Black presented Gass with a cake to celebrate his 64th birthday. When asked to make a wish, Gass responded: “Don’t miss Trump next time.” The comment is in reference to a shooting that happened during a political rally in Pennsylvania in which a gunman shot at the former President, piercing his ear and killing another man, leaving two others with critical injuries.
Jack Black took to social media to condemn the comment, stating: “I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form. After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.”
Kyle Gass has also taken to Instagram to issue an apology for his comments. “The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake,” Gass begins. “I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgment. I profoundly apologize to those I’ve left down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
Tenacious D was scheduled to play a series of Rock the Vote concerts in October, which is a nonpartisan non-profit organization dedicated to young voter outreach. The group formed in Los Angeles in 1994 and quickly rose to stardom after being featured on Mr. Show with Bob and David. They had a three-episode TV show on HBO after the appearance and released their debut album Tenacious D in 2001.
